Thomas H. Shriver

Thomas Herbert Shriver was born on February 19, 1846, in Union Mills, Maryland, to Mary M. J. (née Owings) and William Shriver. His father was a farmer and a miller.[1] He was a descendant of an early settler to Carroll County, David Shriver.[2] Shriver attended local schools and was taught by private tutors. He was preparing for enrollment to college when the American Civil War started.[1]

Shriver enlisted in the Confederate States Army on June 28, 1863, at the age of seventeen, as General Stuart's cavalry passed by.[1][2] He took part in the Battle of Gettysburg and cavalry engagements after the retreat of the army to Northern Virginia after the battle. In the last year, Shriver was detailed as a student of the Virginia Military Institute and became a member of the cadet corps and participated in the Battle of New Market. On May 15, 1865, Shriver surrendered and returned to Baltimore. In 1882, Shriver would receive a diploma from Virginia Military Institute for his participation in the Battle of New Market.[1]

Shriver worked in a variety of occupations, including clerical positions, traveling salesman, farmer, miller and banker. With his brother Benjamin F. Shriver, he owned and operated B. F. Shriver Company of Carroll County, a cannery of fruits and vegetables. In 1904, the company was incorporated and Shriver became the president.[1][2]

Shriver was a Democrat. From 1878 to 1880, Shriver served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. From 1884 to 1886, he served as a member of the Maryland Senate. In 1888, he was appointed as deputy collector of the Port of Baltimore. In 1908, Shriver was delegate to the Democratic National Convention.[1][3]

Shriver was a Roman Catholic. He had a home in Union Mills and would often host his friend, Cardinal James Gibbons.[1][4] Shriver was given the title "general" due to his service on the staffs of Governors Henry Lloyd and Elihu Emory Jackson.[2]

Shriver married Elizabeth R. Lawson on February 16, 1880. They had four children: Hilda, Joseph N., Robert T. and William H. Shriver.[1] Shriver died on December 31, 1916, at his home in Union Mills.[2]

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